Optical module

Abstract

An optical module includes an internal board with a connector terminal, and a housing for accommodating the internal board. The optical module is mounted on an external board by mating the connector terminal with another connector terminal on the external board. A module removing tool for removing the optical module from the external board has an engaging portion able to fit together with an engageable portion of the module. As the tool is rotated while the engaging portion fits together with the engageable portion of the module, the engaging portion lifts the housing of the module. This results in removing the module from the external board.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An optical module mounted on an external board having a first connector terminal and dismounted from the external board using a module removing tool having an engaging portion, said optical module comprising: 
 an internal board having a second connector terminal to mate with said first connector terminal; and    a housing for enclosing said internal board, said housing having an opening and are engageable portion provided adjacent to said opening, said second connector terminal passing through said opening, and said engageable portion fitting together with said engaging portion of said module removing tool.    
     
     
         2 . An optical module according to  claim 1 , wherein said second connector terminal is configured to be unmated from said first connector terminal along an unmating direction from one end to an opposite end of said second connector terminal, and 
 wherein said engageable portion is formed so that said second connector terminal is unmated from said first connector terminal along said unmating direction as one end of said module removing tool is rotated while said engaging portion of said module removing tool fits together with said engageable portion.    
     
     
         3 . An optical module according to  claim 1 , wherein said second connector terminal is configured to be unmated from said first connector terminal along an unmating direction from one end to an opposite end of said second connector terminal, and 
 wherein said engageable portion is formed on a virtual line extending along said unmating direction through opposite ends of said second connector terminal.    
     
     
         4 . An optical module according to  claim 3 , wherein said virtual line passes a middle of said second connector terminal.  
     
     
         5 . An optical module according to  claim 3 , wherein said optical module comprises a pair of said engageable portions, said pair of engageable portions being placed on said virtual line at opposite sides of said second connector terminal.  
     
     
         6 . An optical module according to  claim 1 , wherein said engageable portion is a depression provided in a surface of said housing.  
     
     
         7 . An optical module according to  claim 1 , wherein said housing includes an upper part and a lower part having a base, said internal board being sandwiched therebetween, 
 wherein the base of said lower part is brought into contact with said external board when said optical module is mounted on said external board, said second connector terminal passing through said opening, and    wherein said opening is a through hole provided in said base of said lower part.    
     
     
         8 . An optical module according to  claim 1 , wherein said internal board further includes a light emitting module and/or a light receiving module.